37 fast ways to make money in one hour: AI methods included

It's entirely possible to make money in one hour through methods like selling templates, quick courses, or clipping. You can also try things like picking up hospitality shifts or yardwork.

Need money fast? We’ve all been there. You can make money in one hour by clipping videos, selling templates, offering quick coaching or consulting, or picking up hospitality shifts.

Unexpected bills creeping in, needing extra cash for a weekend blowout. Maybe you’re just wondering if you really can make money online in an hour – spoiler alert: you can. 

First, though, let’s be real: none of these ideas will make you rich overnight. But they will put money in your pocket quickly, and some can turn into profitable online businesses if you stick with them.

From quick cash plays to AI-powered hustles, here are 37 easy ways to make money in one hour (or less).

37 ways to make money in an hour (or less)

Digital gigs you can start from your laptop or local jobs that pay on the spot, this list covers practical ways to turn your time into cash fast. 

Some ideas can be repeated daily, others are one-off opportunities, but all are able to get you money in a pinch.

We’ve grouped them into categories so you can skip straight to the type of hustle that fits your skills and schedule.

Digital hustles you can start instantly

If you're looking to make money fast, you should start online. Digital hustles are everywhere, and with the right approach, you can cash in within the hour.

Here are some of our favorite ideas:

1. Sell digital templates

Digital templates are one of the fastest online hustles to launch because they don’t require shipping, inventory, or special software.

You can design planners, habit trackers, or social media graphics in free tools like Canva — or upgrade to Canva Pro if you want advanced fonts and branding kits (we tested both: here’s our Canva Pro vs Free review to help you decide).

Bundle a few templates to charge more, or keep it simple and sell one-offs – the choice is yours.

If you can make something useful and get it on the right marketplace (ahem), there’s no reason you can’t sell within the hour.

• Best for: Creatives, side hustlers, digital entrepreneurs, social media pros
• How to get started: Sign up on Whop, create your template in Canva or another free program, upload it, and list for sale in under an hour.
• Earning potential: $5-$50 per template; bundles can earn $100+

Wondering if Canva Pro is worth it? Check out our honest review of Canva Pro vs Free plans.

2. Clipping and UGC

Repurpose existing content into short, engaging clips or create original user-generated content (UGC) to earn money quickly. 

As Dylan Lundgren of Whop says:

There are people making 10, 20, even 30 thousand dollars a month by simply making copy-paste clips or UGC.

The best way to make money with UGC is through Whop. Whop's Content Rewards allow you to get paid for the views your posts generate, with no minimum experience, follower count, or other prerequisites. 

• Best for: Creators, social media enthusiasts, and anyone with a knack for short-form content
• How to get started: Sign up to Whop, browse available Content Rewards campaigns, and join those that align with your interests. Follow the content guidelines provided, post your clips or UGC on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts, and earn money based on the views your posts accumulate. Join Whop Clips for guides & training on how to go viral and start making money with UGC!
• Earning potential: Varies by campaign; some offer up to $5 per 1,000 views. Top-performing creators can earn tens of thousands of dollars monthly.

3. Reselling PLR products

Private Label Rights (PLR) products are ready-made digital goods you can legally resell. They’re perfect if you want to start earning fast without creating something from scratch. You can tweak them, bundle them, or sell them as-is.

Whop makes it easy to list PLR products, reach buyers instantly, and start earning without upfront fees.

Seriously, digital products generate more than $2.5 trillion each year – and this is one of the easiest ways to launch your own.

• Best for: Digital hustlers, side hustlers, creatives, and anyone looking to sell products online quickly
• How to get started: Find high-quality PLR products, sign up on Whop, upload your files, set your price, and start selling
• Earning potential: $10-$50 per product; bundles or premium tweaks can earn $100+ per sale

4. Sell a mini course

Okay, full-scale courses might take a bit longer to build out than an hour. But mini courses can be just as profitable and super fast to make. Let me explain:

Mini courses are short, focused lessons you can put together quickly, perfect for sharing a skill or knowledge you already have. They’re fast to make, easy to sell, and can turn into a repeatable income stream.

You can also sell mini courses with other digital products like templates or guides to increase value.

• Best for: Creatives, educators, hobbyists, and anyone with teachable skills
• How to get started: Pick a niche you know, create a concise lesson or series of lessons, sign up on Whop, upload your course, and set your price
• Earning potential: $20-$100 per course; higher if you bundle multiple mini-course.

5. Offer quick coaching

In a similar vein to mini courses, short, focused coaching sessions are an easy way to share your skills and make money fast.

Coach on anything from fitness to social media tips to career advice; think of what you know and can offer others. Dating advice? Self-development? Learning LLMs? Offer 30-60 minute sessions on topics you already know, and keep it simple and actionable.

Whop makes it simple to list your coaching sessions and get paid instantly. You can schedule sessions on your own time and scale up into a whole coaching business if it takes off.

• Best for: Experts, hobbyists, side hustlers, and anyone with teachable skills
• How to get started: Sign up on Whop, create a profile, list your coaching session, set your price, and start booking clients.
• Earning potential: $20-$100 per session; recurring clients can boost monthly earnings

6. Paid community access

If you already have insider knowledge or a small audience, a paid community can generate income fast. Think whops, Discord servers, or Slack groups where members pay monthly for access to your resources, Q&As, or templates.

In this video, Jasen Hunt, creator of a niche land survey drafting community, explains how he built a profitable membership:

“Your community’s vision has to be big enough that members see themselves in it. Once they’re excited to join the journey, retention becomes natural.”

This is ideal if you already have a small following, but you can also build from scratch. Use Whop to manage subscriptions and payments (and even add more digital products as you grow). The more value you offer, the more members you can attract.

• Best for: Creators, community leaders, experts, or hobbyists
• How to get started: Decide on a platform, create your community, sign up on Whop, list your paid access, and start inviting members.
• Earning potential: $5-$50 per member per month; large, engaged communities can bring in hundreds to thousands monthly

7. Livestreaming

Livestreaming is more than just gaming; it’s a real way to make money fast. You can host Q&As, tutorials, performances, or honestly? Just chat sh*t with viewers.

Platforms like TikTok Live, Twitch, and Whop all let viewers send tips or pay for access.

Propernator has over 20k followers as a Twitch streamer, and says:

To get sponsors you've got to have views, and you got to have a loyal community. It doesn't have to take a long time, you just have to know what you're doing.

The faster you grow an audience, the more income potential you unlock. Start small, interact with viewers, and experiment with content to see what sticks. Tips, subscriptions, and exclusive perks can all add up.

• Best for: Entertainers, gamers, performers, social media creators, or anyone comfortable in front of a camera
• How to get started: Sign up on Whop or another livestream platform, plan your content, go live, and start earning through tips and subscriptions.
• Earning potential: $10$100+ per stream depending on monetization technique and engagement. Consistent, high-engagement streams can generate hundreds weekly.

8. Sell ebooks

As three-times published ebook author Jeremie Lander tells us, becoming an ebook author is easier than ever.

You don’t need to write a whole novel. Just focus on actionable tips, niche advice, or guides. AI tools can speed up writing, design, and formatting.

Once finished, you can list your ebook on Whop and start selling immediately. You keep 100% of the earnings, and digital distribution means it’s completely passive once live. Bundling multiple ebooks or offering complementary templates can increase revenue and keep you earning long after you list.

Follow Jeremie's advice and use social media as a lead funnel for your ebook:

I use my following on social media whether it be YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, to drive sales directly to these books.

• Best for: Writers, hobbyists, educators, side hustlers, or anyone with expertise in a niche
• How to get started: Pick a topic, write or generate content, design a cover, sign up on Whop, upload your eBook, and set a price.
• Earning potential: $5-$50 per eBook; bundles or popular niches can earn $100+ per sale

9. Fast freelancing gigs

Got a handy skill? Writing, design, coding – whatever it is, it can earn you cash (and fast).

It's estimated that 86.5 million freelancers in the United States will be a part of the gig economy by 2027, which says something about the way work is shifting.

You could take on tasks like writing articles, editing content, designing graphics, building simple code snippets, or testing websites. These gigs are fast to complete and fit easily between classes, work, or other projects.

Keisha has been a freelance writer for over 8 years, and says:

The first thing I would do is find a niche — in order to set yourself up for the long run and carve out a space, its really important to have a niche established.

This advice applies whether you're a freelance writer, designer, marketer, or any other industry.

Clients pay per task or project, so the faster and higher-quality your work, the more you can make. It’s also a great way to build a portfolio while getting paid.

• Best for: Freelancers, writers, designers, coders, and side hustlers looking for fast, flexible online work
• How to get started: Look for gigs on Upwork, Fiverr, create a profile showcasing your skills, and look for fast, small gigs.
• Earning potential: $5-$50 per task, depending on complexity; stacking multiple tasks can lead to $50-$200+ per day.

10. Build apps with AI

No-code and AI tools make building apps faster and easier than ever. You can whip up simple productivity tools, niche calculators, content generators, or mini-games in just a few hours – and start making money right away.

The Whop App Store makes it super simple. You don’t need to know how to code or hire a dev. Just grab pre-built apps, tweak them if you want, and add them to your Whop community. Earn through install fees, revenue share, or subscriptions.

You can sell each app as a one-off, a subscription, or part of a bundle. Check out our dev docs for more info on coding Whop apps with LLMs.

• Best for: Creatives, coders, AI enthusiasts, digital entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to sell tools or apps fast
• How to get started: Browse the Whop App Store, pick an app (or team up with a dev to build one), install it in your Whop community, and start offering it to members.
• Earning potential: Depends on complexity, pricing, and audience, but subscription apps can bring in steady recurring cash.

11. Same-day transcription services

If you type fast and have a good ear, transcription can be a quick way to make cash. Audio and video creators often need transcripts for podcasts, videos, or interviews (and usually want them same-day). The faster you deliver, the more clients will hire you again.

This is perfect for anyone who wants to turn attention to detail into quick money. You don’t need fancy tools, just a good headset, a text editor, and maybe transcription software to speed things up.

• Best for: Writers, students, freelancers, and anyone with fast typing skills
• How to get started: Find small transcription gigs on Fiverr, Upwork, or other freelance sites, set clear turnaround times, and start delivering same-day.
• Earning potential: $10-$50 per hour, depending on the length and complexity of audio; repeat clients can make this a steady side hustle.

12. Thumbnail design

Video creators are always looking for eye-catching thumbnails to get more clicks. If you’re good with Canva, Photoshop, or AI design tools, making thumbnails can be a fast way to earn money online. A single thumbnail often takes under an hour, making it perfect for quick gigs.

This is ideal for anyone who wants to combine creativity with speed. Offering packages of multiple thumbnails can boost your earnings and attract repeat clients.

• Best for: Designers, creative freelancers, and social media enthusiasts
• How to get started: Create sample thumbnails to show your style, sign up on Fiverr or Upwork, list your service, and start taking orders.
• Earning potential: $5-$20 per thumbnail; bundles of 5-10 can earn $50+.

13. Subtitling

Similarly, subtitling videos is simple but highly in-demand, especially on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Creators need captions to make content more engaging and accessible. If you’re detail-oriented and fast, you can turn a 30-60 minute video into a paying gig in under an hour.

This is also a great way to get repeat clients, as many creators post content daily or weekly. You don’t need advanced tools; just a text editor, transcription software, or AI subtitling tool.

• Best for: Writers, editors, freelancers, and social media-savvy creatives
• How to get started: Offer subtitling services on Fiverr or Upwork, deliver fast turnaround times, and build a client base for repeat work.
• Earning potential: $5-$20 per video; longer or high-volume projects can earn $50+.

Care and service-based gigs

Fancy looking after people or pets? These gigs are perfect for those who prefer in-person errands and getting out of the house.

15. Pet sitting 

If you love animals, pet sitting is a flexible way to make cash fast. Owners need someone to check in, feed, or walk their pets while they’re at work or out of town.

You can take on one-off visits or a full-day sitting, depending on your schedule.

Platforms like Rover or local Facebook groups are great for finding gigs, or you can advertise in your community for repeat clients.

• Best for: Animal lovers, students, and anyone looking for low-stress, flexible work
• How to get started: Sign up on a pet-sitting platform or post your services locally, set rates, and schedule visits
• Earning potential: $10-$30 per hour; longer stays or multiple pets can increase earnings.

16. Run errands for cash

Need cash fast? Helping people with small errands or tasks is a quick way to earn in under an hour.

Think grocery pickup, dropping off packages, or handling simple chores. Many people are happy to pay for a few minutes of your time, especially if they’re busy or can’t leave home.

TaskRabbit, Airtasker, local Facebook groups, or word-of-mouth make finding gigs easy. Fast, flexible, and repeatable if you do a good job.

• Best for: Students, side hustlers, and anyone looking for flexible, quick work
• How to get started: Sign up on local gig apps like TaskRabbit, advertise your availability for short tasks, and start accepting jobs.
• Earning potential: $10-$30 per errand; doing multiple errands in an hour can stack up to $50.

17. Housesitting

Housesitting is low-effort and can pay surprisingly well. Homeowners need someone to watch over their place while they’re away, handle deliveries, or water plants. You can combine it with pet sitting if there are pets in the home.

It’s great if you want to work quietly and don’t mind staying at someone else’s home for a short period. Find a gig online and confirm it within the hour for guaranteed income.

• Best for: Responsible, detail-oriented side hustlers
• How to get started: Advertise on local community boards, social media, or platforms like TrustedHousesitters, set clear responsibilities, and schedule assignments.
• Earning potential: $20-$100+ per day; add-on services like pet care can increase earnings.

18. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic side hustle that’s still in demand. Parents often need help for a few hours on short notice, making it perfect for quick cash.

If you’re responsible, fun, and good with kids, this is a reliable option. You can find gigs through word-of-mouth, online babysitting platforms, or local parent groups.

Offering extra services like tutoring, meal prep, or bedtime routines can let you charge more.

• Best for: Responsible teens, students, or anyone comfortable with kids
• How to get started: Sign up on babysitting platforms or advertise locally, set your rate, and start taking bookings.
• Earning potential: $15-$30 per hour; evening or weekend shifts often pay more.

19. Tutoring and homework help

If you’re strong in a subject, tutoring or homework help is a quick way to make money. Parents and students often need help in core subjects or exam prep, and online platforms make connecting easy. If you're a student yourself, this is a no-brainer.

Even short, one-hour sessions can pay well, and consistent clients can turn this into a recurring side hustle.

You can run your tutoring business on Whop and easily manage multiple students, resources, and payments.

• Best for: Students, teachers, or anyone confident in a subject
• How to get started: List your services on Superprof, Wyzant, or local groups, set rates, and schedule sessions.
• Earning potential: $15-$50 per hour, depending on subject and level; packages or exam prep sessions can increase earnings.

20. Tech support and setup

If you’re tech-savvy, offering quick tech support for common problems (like software setup, device troubleshooting, or social media issues) is a fast way to earn. Many people need help and are willing to pay for short, practical sessions.

This creator tells us that you don't even need to be particularly tech-savvy— you just need to know more than the older-generation. The older gen didn't grow up with social media or even stable internet access, so may need help navigating it:

This a pain point that you can solve and get paid for, and you don't need to be an expert— you just need to be a few steps ahead.

You can offer support remotely via Whop, Zoom, email, or in person, depending on the client. Or, look on local community boards and Facebook marketplace for work.

• Best for: Tech-savvy students, freelancers, or anyone good with gadgets
• How to get started: Advertise on local community boards, social media, or platforms like Fiverr, and start accepting small gigs.
  Earning potential: $15-$50 per hour, depending on complexity; repeat clients can create a steady income.

Quick local hustles

These gigs are less care-oriented and more task-based, giving you ways to cash in with no experience and very little other than your car or reliable transport.

21. Rideshare

If you have a car and some spare time, driving for ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft is a fast way to make money. You can pick up rides when it suits you, and payments are often instant or weekly, depending on the platform.

• Best for: People with a car, flexible schedules, and good local knowledge
• How to get started: Sign up with a ride-share platform, complete onboarding, and start accepting rides.
• Earning potential: $15-$30 per hour; peak hours and tips can push earnings higher.

22. Delivery gigs

Food and package delivery is another quick cash option. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Amazon Flex let you earn per delivery, often with same-day payouts.

Short routes and multiple gigs per hour make this ideal for fast money.

• Best for: Anyone with a car, bike, or scooter and flexible time
• How to get started: Sign up on a delivery platform, complete the requirements, and start accepting orders.
• Earning potential: $10-$25 per hour; tips can boost total earnings.

23. Odd jobs

Odd jobs cover anything people need done quickly – think moving furniture, assembling flat-pack furniture, running errands, or minor repairs.

Apps like TaskRabbit, Airtasker, or local community groups are great for finding these gigs.

Easy to land within the hour, get paid on completion, and make cash fast. Plus, build a reputation, and you could start stacking regular work.

• Best for: Handy people, students, or anyone willing to do quick physical tasks
• How to get started: Sign up on local gig platforms, list your services, and start accepting short-term tasks.
• Earning potential: $10-$50 per job, depending on complexity; stacking multiple tasks can earn $100+ in a few hours.

24. Car washing

Offering mobile car washes or helping at a local car wash is a quick way to make cash.

Get creative: you could do a complete exterior clean in under an hour with basic supplies, and repeat clients make it a steady side hustle. Or, you could offer an interior detailing service, polish rims, touch up paint, whatever.

• Best for: People who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and have flexible time.
• How to get started: Advertise locally or join gig platforms, show up with supplies, and start washing cars.
• Earning potential: $10-$30 per car for basic washing; multiple cars or detailed services can stack up.

25. Yardwork

Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or clearing gardens are simple, short-term tasks people are willing to pay for. Seasonal work can make this especially profitable, and many clients are happy to pay for an hour of effort.

• Best for: Students, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone comfortable doing outdoor work
• How to get started: Advertise locally, join community boards, or use gig apps, and schedule yardwork sessions.
• Earning potential: $15-$40 per hour; bigger jobs or repeat clients can increase earnings.

26. Cleaning

Quick house cleaning sessions (vacuuming, dusting, or tidying up), are in demand, especially for people short on time.

Even a one-hour job can earn decent cash, and repeat clients make this a steady gig.

• Best for: People who like cleaning and want flexible, immediate work
• How to get started: Advertise on local boards, social media, or gig platforms, set your rate, and start taking one-off jobs.
• Earning potential: $15-$40 per hour; larger homes or recurring clients can boost income.

27. Hospitality

If you're in a hurry, you can pick up a shift in hospitality, doing things like cooking, washing the dishes, housekeeping, or customer service.

It's often easy enough to find a full-on job in hospitality, but if you just want a side hustle, download an app and pick up the odd shift. Qwick is a good option.

You'll sign up for shifts, work them, and when the shift ends, the business will pay you through the app. You can choose instant payment (for a small fee) to get paid within 30 minutes of the business sending the money.

• Best for: People who have some basic experience in hospitality, such as bartending or cleaning
• How to get started: Apply to local places or download an app like Qwick to pick up some shifts
• Earning potential: $15-$25 per hour, depending on the job and the location

Earn fast cash from stuff you own

Hear me out: what if you could just rent or sell the stuff you own within the hour?

No work required really, just a little hustle to polish some old stuff up and list it online.

28. Rent out your unused gear

Got gear, gadgets, or tools lying around? Renting them out is one of the fastest ways to turn unused stuff into cash.

Cameras, drones, gaming consoles, party supplies, or even lawn equipment can all be in high demand for short-term rentals. Some people only need something for a single use and are willing to pay for convenience.

You can start by listing your items on local rental apps, Facebook Marketplace, or even neighbourhood groups. High-demand items, like cameras or projectors, can often be rented multiple times in a week.

• Best for: Anyone with items they don’t use daily or hobby gear
• How to get started: Snap high-quality photos, write a clear description, post on rental apps like Fat Llama, Facebook, or local marketplaces, and coordinate pick-ups or deliveries.
• Earning potential: $5-$50 per item per day; specialty or high-value gear can earn $100+.

29. Selling old clothes

Your closet could be a goldmine. Selling gently used or branded clothing is simple and fast with platforms like Depop, Vinted, or eBay. Trendy items, vintage pieces, or designer labels often sell the fastest.

Take clear, well-lit photos and write honest, detailed descriptions. Bundling multiple items in a single listing can make it easier to sell and increase your total profit. Shipping is quick if you prep in advance, and some buyers even arrange local pickup.

• Best for: Fashion-savvy people or anyone with clothes they no longer wear
• How to get started: Sort items, photograph them clearly, list them online, and respond quickly to inquiries.
  Earning potential: $5-$50+ per item, depending on brand, style, and condition; bundles can boost earnings.

30. Get rid of junk

Old electronics, books, collectibles, or furniture can all make fast cash.

Local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree are perfect for same-day pickups. Just price items realistically and write clear listings.

Quick communication with buyers and being flexible with pick-up times often leads to faster sales if you have multiple items, schedule pick-ups efficiently to maximize your earnings in an hour.

• Best for: Anyone with clutter they’re ready to part with
• How to get started: Take good photos, post detailed listings online, and coordinate pick-ups or deliveries.
• Earning potential: $5-$200+, depending on item type and demand; bundling items can help move more in a short time.

31. Rent an empty car space

If you have a driveway, garage, or unused parking spot, renting it out can generate easy cash without lifting a finger. Urban areas, apartment buildings, and neighborhoods near events or transit hubs have the highest demand.

You can list your space on parking apps, local classifieds, or social media. Some people prefer hourly rates, while others like monthly arrangements, so you can decide what works best.

• Best for: Anyone with an extra parking space or a driveway
• How to get started: Post your space online with clear photos, pricing, and availability, then communicate promptly with renters.
• Earning potential: $10-$50 per hour; monthly or event-based rentals can bring in consistent passive income.

Fast turnaround online hustles

These hustles are less about launching a product or offer online and more about doing quick online tasks.

Just a note: none of these are big earners – besides sports betting, which has the potential to be high-earning but also high-risk.

32. Test websites and apps

Companies pay (fast) for user feedback to improve their digital products.

Testing websites and apps involves checking usability, reporting bugs, or reviewing features. Tests usually take 10-60 minutes, making this perfect for quick cash.

Platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and Testbirds let you sign up, pick tasks that match your skills, and submit your feedback. High-quality, detailed feedback can lead to repeat work from the same clients.

• Best for: Detail-oriented people and anyone comfortable navigating websites or apps
• How to get started: Sign up on testing platforms, browse available tasks, follow instructions carefully, and submit feedback promptly.
• Earning potential: $10-$30 per test; completing multiple tests in a day can earn $50+.

33. Play games for cash

Some companies pay you to play games and test new features. This isn’t just fun—it’s actual paid work. And it's fast, too.

Beta testers or competitive gamers help developers find bugs, balance gameplay, or improve user experience.

Platforms like Mistplay, PlaytestCloud, and other game beta programs are the easiest way to start. Sessions are often short, and you can combine testing with reviewing or streaming to maximize income.

• Best for: Gamers and anyone who enjoys interactive tasks
• How to get started: Sign up on testing or beta platforms, complete the required tasks, and submit results or feedback.
• Earning potential: $5-$20 per hour; tournaments or larger testing gigs can earn significantly more.

34. Surveys

Taking part in paid online surveys is a great way to earn a little bit of extra cash on the side to pay some of those extra unexpected bills.
-Keisha Singleton from Whop

Surveys are fast, easy, and can be done anywhere with internet access, so they're perfect for squeezing in some cash between classes, work, or just scrolling on your phone.

While they won’t make you rich, stacking multiple surveys can add up to some nice pocket money.

Platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, and InboxDollars let you complete surveys for points or cash. Be honest, fill out your profile so you get matched with relevant surveys, and cash out once you hit the minimum threshold.

• Best for: Students, side hustlers, or anyone looking for simple online tasks
• How to get started: Sign up on survey platforms, fill out your profile, complete surveys that fit your interests, and cash out your rewards.
• Earning potential: $1-$5 per survey; doing several a day can earn $20-$50+.

35. Sports betting

For risk-takers, sports betting can be fast cash – but caution is key.

Small, strategic bets based on knowledge of leagues or teams can produce quick wins. Only use money you can afford to lose.

Whop makes it next-level. You can learn from expert bettors, access top picks, and join communities of successful players. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you could even turn it into a scalable hustle by creating your own sports betting community and offering curated picks to subscribers.

• Best for: Sports fans with strong knowledge of teams, leagues, or match stats
• How to get started: Start with licensed betting apps to learn the ropes, join Whop communities to learn from experts, then consider creating your own community to sell picks.
• Earning potential: Highly variable; small bets can net $10-$100 quickly, but building a community could turn this into a recurring income stream.

36. Paid focus groups

Get paid for your opinions in short online focus groups. Sessions usually last 30-60 minutes, and payment is often instant via PayPal or gift cards. 

These are legit, fast, and you get to share your thoughts on products, ads, or services.

Focus groups often require you to answer a few screening questions first, but once accepted, the session itself is short and pays well.

• Best for: Anyone with strong opinions, comfortable speaking online, and quick at giving feedback
• How to get started: Sign up on focus group platforms like Respondent.io, User Interviews, and FocusGroup.com.  Complete your profile, accept invitations, and join sessions.
• Earning potential: $20-$100 per session; multiple sessions in a week can quickly add up.

37. Try your hand at trading

If you have a little bit of cash, you can turn it into more cash in the span of an hour if you try to invest or trade.

You can buy or sell crypto or stocks, making sure that you sell it for more than you buy it for. And if you want it to happen in one hour, it'll need to be something that's already moving fast.

Keep in mind: this is not investment advice. You need to do your own research, and fast trades often carry the highest risk, so make sure you read up on it before you try – and start small.

• Best for: People who have some knowledge of the stock or crypto markets
• How to get started: Sign up for a platform that lets you trade – such as Coinbase for crypto, or RobinHood for stocks – and look out for a worthwhile trade
• Earning potential: $0-$500 and more, depending on your investment

Could learning to use AI be the fastest side hustle hack?

AI side hustles can make money in minutes. Whether it’s digital art, voiceovers, or other quick content, you can create, upload, and start earning almost immediately.

Here are some popular niches you can use AI for:

AI-generated art

If you’re creative, AI can produce digital art lightning-fast. Sell it as instant downloads on Whop with no printing, shipping, or extra setup required. You can also explore print-on-demand, stock images, or even designs for tattoos.

The faster you create, the faster you earn.

AI voiceover services

Businesses constantly need voice content for ads, videos, and podcasts, but most don’t have the time to create it themselves. With AI, you can produce professional-sounding clips in minutes and sell them online.

AI prompts & micro tools

Another fast option: creating AI prompts or small tools for ChatGPT, MidJourney, or other AI apps. People will pay for prompts that save them time, boost creativity, or generate content instantly. You can sell these on Whop as instant downloads or subscriptions.

These are only some ideas. Basically? AI side hustles are perfect if you want digital, fast, and scalable income. You can literally start on your lunch break and have your first sale on the same day.

Turn quick cash hustles into real income with Whop 

Fast cash is good, but steady income is better.

With Whop, you can sell almost anything — courses, ebooks, coaching, communities, even offline services like pet sitting or fitness training. Everything runs from one whop: bookings, payments, and updates.

Plus, fees start at just 2.7%, setup takes minutes, and thousands of creators already use it to grow side hustles into real businesses.

Sign up to Whop today and sell just about anything, from paid community access and coaching to courses, UGC, SaaS, apps, merch, and more. One place, unlimited ways to earn.

FAQ: making money in an hour

Can you really make money online in one hour?

Yes — but it depends on the hustle. Tasks like surveys, clipping content, or selling a digital file can pay out quickly. Bigger projects (like courses or coaching) can be set up in an hour, but may take longer to land your first customer.

Which side hustles pay the fastest?

Digital offers like templates, UGC, or mini services are quickest because they require no shipping or setup. Local gigs — babysitting, errands, yardwork — also pay same-day.

Do I need special skills to start?

Not always. Many ideas on this list (errands, surveys, selling unused items) require no expertise. Others — like freelancing or coaching — let you monetize skills you already have.

How much can I realistically earn in an hour?

Most hustles pay $10–$50 an hour when starting out. Some (like content rewards, coaching, or PLR bundles) can scale into hundreds or even recurring income with consistency.

Is it safe to use platforms like Whop for selling?

Yes. Whop handles payments, customer access, and delivery in one place with low fees (starting at 2.7%). That means you keep nearly everything you earn while selling securely.